Unless something as dramatic as Jacques Kallis calling time on his career happens, the Perth Test will be largely about Ricky Ponting. Whether South Africa win a second consecutive series in Australia and keep their No. 1 Test ranking, or whether Michael Clarke's team wrests it from them, the cricket world will be captivated by Ponting's farewell.

The South African team was too. They arrived at the WACA ground when Ponting was making his announcement, and although they suspected it was going to happen, they were in some awe at being so close to it. "Shame," said AB de Villiers in typical South African fashion, while Graeme Smith showed genuine concern when he heard Michael Clarke almost broke down during his press conference.

Reporters held back from asking Smith about his record of being around when major opposition players retire but they managed to get some of his thoughts. "Initially it was a bit of a shock," Smith said, conveying a popular sentiment. "I played a lot against Ricky and he is certainly the most competitive man I think I have ever played against. The way he played the game, and the intensity he played the game in, is a credit to him. He has always represented Australia with a lot of dignity and a lot of skill."

Ponting's last chance to do that will be against South Africa in a match that will decide the No.1 ranking. Graeme Smith's team knows the power something like a retirement can have. They used the sudden departure of Mark Boucher, who was badly injured in England before his final Test series began, as added motivation on that tour earlier this year.

In victory, South Africa dedicated a large portion of their ascension to No.1 to Boucher. Now that they have the title, they do not want to give it up without a heck of a fight, and one of their most resilient fighters has been their longest serving soldier - Jacques Kallis.

Even during the 3.3 overs he bowled before limping off Adelaide Oval, Kallis' impact was significant: he dismissed Ed Cowan and Ponting. Kallis also batted through pain in both innings because his contribution was needed to save the match. His 58 and 46, innings that used up more than four hours, proved that his career is a long way from needing the same resuscitation. It would not have been surprising had Ponting watched that effort and wondered how a man who walked almost the same road as he did was able to continue walking so confidently.

Kallis made his Test debut the week after Ponting did in December 1995. He has played ten fewer Tests than Ponting, has 425 fewer runs but three hundreds more. While Ponting has one more opportunity to add to those numbers, Kallis should have several more. Like Ponting, Kallis said he would remain committed to playing international cricket for as long as his body allows and he can contribute. Unlike Ponting, it is Kallis' fitness rather his form that threatens his future.

For the third time in as many tours in 2012, Kallis is battling injury. His current hamstring strain could deny him his own last - a last Test in Australia. It's unlikely Kallis will return in 2016, when South Africa are due to tour next, and before this series he said he would treasure being successful for a second time in Australia.

Kallis has done everything he can to be able to play in Perth, even if only as a batsman, although he will have to field. "We don't intend on playing the game with ten men so we won't take the decision lightly," Smith said, confirming Kallis will bat at No. 4 if picked. "If he is not fit we will look to have someone playing his role in the game but ideally, if he is fit, we'd like to have him playing."

Kallis knows how important he is to the side and has spent hours with physiotherapist Brandon Jackson to try and recover. He has followed the requirements for rest and if he remains in any pain, he isn't showing it. He wants to play in Perth almost more than South Africa want him to. "Mentally we know that he is hungry to play and he has shown that in the way that he has gone about his rehab," Smith said. "He wants to get on the park and perform."

So does Ponting, but he thinks after Tuesday he no longer deserves to. That realisation alone brought tears to grown men's eyes. And then the air lightened a bit, as it does when these things happen. By the time the Australians had left, South Africa were training in sunshine with a strong wind blowing. In the second net was Kallis.

He moved with ease. He got forward to defend with the grace of a construction vehicle and the determination of a whole fleet. He walked without difficulty, he bent down, he got back up, he carried on. He was struck on the hand by a net bowler and casually wrung it out before continuing. He was in the zone.

When he finished, Kallis walked to a nearby bench, took his gloves off as though nothing had happened and packed his things. He looked around for a few minutes, he tussled his hair, he saw his team-mates chatting to some reporters and he passed by with smiles for all. In those eyes was the same look Kallis has worn throughout his career. The one that says, "I'm still here and I'm still going to be."

Definitely the two greats! but with difference..One who led the team to World Cup wins..other quietly contributing with both bat and ball..One who was verbal on the field..other gracefully adorned the slips..One who will remain in all time Great lists..other who will just be remembered as a gentleman all rounder..
Hope all those who hail the one also realise the contributions of the other!

POSTED BY
nlambda
on | November 30, 2012, 2:44 GMT

Well one of the Q marks against Kallis has been that he is among the "generation of chokers". He was there in THAT 1999 game against Aus, and has been there through the 2003, 2007, and 2011 failures. Last year against NZ he really should have helped win the QF. That said, certainly a top player, and has a chance to overtake SRT's runs and centuries records as well.

POSTED BY
Greatest_Game
on | November 30, 2012, 2:34 GMT

Rasheed Khan on (November 29 2012, 15:33 PM GMT). Hey Caribbean man. Guess who holds the record for the fastest test half-century - 24 balls? Not Chris Gayle, not Afridi, not Viv Richards, or Botham,. Nope - of course its Jacques Kallis. If that is not fast enough for you I guess you'll have to go to sleep.

POSTED BY
CricLook
on | November 30, 2012, 2:33 GMT

Kallis is a true legend. He should carry on as long as possible. Unlike Tendulkar and Ponting he is not struggling with form. He is the best batsman in the side and handy bowler. His achievement some how missed attention of the cricket fans. I can remember i saw him in his early days: a batsman only capable on onside. Now he is the best in the world. With batting only second two tendulkar (I believe he will score more test century) and with bowl he is more than allrounder. Love to watch his cool customer...a legend in all aspect of cricket: batting,bowling,fielding,catching..No one is such complete cricketer than him in modern times. Not even Tendulkar,Lara, Ponting.

POSTED BY
on | November 30, 2012, 1:26 GMT

As much as I love Ponting,and consider him a great, Kallis is and remains a true legend of the game. He is a gentleman and must be considered in the top five of all time players...eva... I don't think Punter can be thought of in that league, but would have if he had bowled as well. For Aussies sake, we don't want Kallis to play today, but for my sake, I want to see him go around one more time over here. Immense respect to them both.

POSTED BY
Meety
on | November 30, 2012, 0:31 GMT

@Nick636 on (November 29 2012, 11:47 AM GMT) - Kallis is the most PROLIFIC player of all time, but I would not have him in MY all time XI, & he'd be lucky to make the bench too! He is a champion & I find it amazing that he is playing better now than 15yrs ago, he's like an old Rolls Royce engine. So whilst I say he is the most prolific, that is a by-product of matches played. If Sobers had played as many Tests as Kallis, he would of had 13,559 runs & taken 397 wickets. Which is more than Kallis has in both disciplines - not saying this to diminish Kallis, rather place Sobers on a pedestal. Must mention though Sobers would only have 184 catches to Kallis's 190, & I often have said that I think Kallis's slips fielding is severely underrated. He is not what I call a dynamic slipper, but probably the safest catcher I have EVER seen, can ANYONE remember Kallis dropping a catch????

POSTED BY
kh1902
on | November 29, 2012, 22:40 GMT

More than anyone, South Africa need Steyn to hit his straps. As this series has shown Steyn is the only indispensable player in the team - when he underperforms they don't even look like winning. In the past they have success fully defeated Australia and England with Kallis contributing very little. However in those series Steyn has been instrumental in securing victory. I actually think Steyn is the only truly underappreciated guy in the South African team.

POSTED BY
moBlue
on | November 29, 2012, 22:10 GMT

yeah, ponting was good, but i can't overlook the fact that in 25 test innings in IND, ponting averaged 26 with just one ton! that makes him a "spin track bunny" - as opposed to the oz fans deriding sehwag as a "flat-track bully" [sehwag has 6 test tons in SA, oz, WI and ENG, by the way]... yet ponting is oz's second best batter ever?!? whatever... i was never that impressed with ponting in tests. [[[ODIs are a different thing altogether! yes, he was an ODI champion!]]]

i have no such reservations about kallis. i am from IND and love sachin - and loved lara when he was around - but kallis is something else! purely as a batter, his average is better than sachin's, and to think that he achieved that while taking all those wickets with an average less than 33 in test cricket is mindblowing!!! ...and kallis did not have any weakness at all, spiin, pace, bounce, he had long mastered them all!!! ...much like sachin and lara. but i rate kallis higher... i mean, objectively, how can you not?!?

POSTED BY
GrindAR
on | November 29, 2012, 22:07 GMT

Well written article (WWA). Brings beauty and serve as one of best ambassadors representing game Cricket

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 20:18 GMT

A half-fit Kallis should play ahead of a fully-fit Kleinveldt & Rudolph combined.

POSTED BY
flavoidastic
on | November 30, 2012, 6:01 GMT

Definitely the two greats! but with difference..One who led the team to World Cup wins..other quietly contributing with both bat and ball..One who was verbal on the field..other gracefully adorned the slips..One who will remain in all time Great lists..other who will just be remembered as a gentleman all rounder..
Hope all those who hail the one also realise the contributions of the other!

POSTED BY
nlambda
on | November 30, 2012, 2:44 GMT

Well one of the Q marks against Kallis has been that he is among the "generation of chokers". He was there in THAT 1999 game against Aus, and has been there through the 2003, 2007, and 2011 failures. Last year against NZ he really should have helped win the QF. That said, certainly a top player, and has a chance to overtake SRT's runs and centuries records as well.

POSTED BY
Greatest_Game
on | November 30, 2012, 2:34 GMT

Rasheed Khan on (November 29 2012, 15:33 PM GMT). Hey Caribbean man. Guess who holds the record for the fastest test half-century - 24 balls? Not Chris Gayle, not Afridi, not Viv Richards, or Botham,. Nope - of course its Jacques Kallis. If that is not fast enough for you I guess you'll have to go to sleep.

POSTED BY
CricLook
on | November 30, 2012, 2:33 GMT

Kallis is a true legend. He should carry on as long as possible. Unlike Tendulkar and Ponting he is not struggling with form. He is the best batsman in the side and handy bowler. His achievement some how missed attention of the cricket fans. I can remember i saw him in his early days: a batsman only capable on onside. Now he is the best in the world. With batting only second two tendulkar (I believe he will score more test century) and with bowl he is more than allrounder. Love to watch his cool customer...a legend in all aspect of cricket: batting,bowling,fielding,catching..No one is such complete cricketer than him in modern times. Not even Tendulkar,Lara, Ponting.

POSTED BY
on | November 30, 2012, 1:26 GMT

As much as I love Ponting,and consider him a great, Kallis is and remains a true legend of the game. He is a gentleman and must be considered in the top five of all time players...eva... I don't think Punter can be thought of in that league, but would have if he had bowled as well. For Aussies sake, we don't want Kallis to play today, but for my sake, I want to see him go around one more time over here. Immense respect to them both.

POSTED BY
Meety
on | November 30, 2012, 0:31 GMT

@Nick636 on (November 29 2012, 11:47 AM GMT) - Kallis is the most PROLIFIC player of all time, but I would not have him in MY all time XI, & he'd be lucky to make the bench too! He is a champion & I find it amazing that he is playing better now than 15yrs ago, he's like an old Rolls Royce engine. So whilst I say he is the most prolific, that is a by-product of matches played. If Sobers had played as many Tests as Kallis, he would of had 13,559 runs & taken 397 wickets. Which is more than Kallis has in both disciplines - not saying this to diminish Kallis, rather place Sobers on a pedestal. Must mention though Sobers would only have 184 catches to Kallis's 190, & I often have said that I think Kallis's slips fielding is severely underrated. He is not what I call a dynamic slipper, but probably the safest catcher I have EVER seen, can ANYONE remember Kallis dropping a catch????

POSTED BY
kh1902
on | November 29, 2012, 22:40 GMT

More than anyone, South Africa need Steyn to hit his straps. As this series has shown Steyn is the only indispensable player in the team - when he underperforms they don't even look like winning. In the past they have success fully defeated Australia and England with Kallis contributing very little. However in those series Steyn has been instrumental in securing victory. I actually think Steyn is the only truly underappreciated guy in the South African team.

POSTED BY
moBlue
on | November 29, 2012, 22:10 GMT

yeah, ponting was good, but i can't overlook the fact that in 25 test innings in IND, ponting averaged 26 with just one ton! that makes him a "spin track bunny" - as opposed to the oz fans deriding sehwag as a "flat-track bully" [sehwag has 6 test tons in SA, oz, WI and ENG, by the way]... yet ponting is oz's second best batter ever?!? whatever... i was never that impressed with ponting in tests. [[[ODIs are a different thing altogether! yes, he was an ODI champion!]]]

i have no such reservations about kallis. i am from IND and love sachin - and loved lara when he was around - but kallis is something else! purely as a batter, his average is better than sachin's, and to think that he achieved that while taking all those wickets with an average less than 33 in test cricket is mindblowing!!! ...and kallis did not have any weakness at all, spiin, pace, bounce, he had long mastered them all!!! ...much like sachin and lara. but i rate kallis higher... i mean, objectively, how can you not?!?

POSTED BY
GrindAR
on | November 29, 2012, 22:07 GMT

Well written article (WWA). Brings beauty and serve as one of best ambassadors representing game Cricket

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 20:18 GMT

A half-fit Kallis should play ahead of a fully-fit Kleinveldt & Rudolph combined.

POSTED BY
kriskingle
on | November 29, 2012, 20:08 GMT

Davidpk, Its not a question of charisma, its just what the demands of being a professional player do to you, not to mention the continuous attention and scrutiny of the media. I am sure Kallis has the ability to drink as hard as either Sobers or Botham, but in this day and age, he just could not be as good a cricketer if he kept that up. And think about the media making his life living hell if that happened. One small incident about running into a fence was magnified so much, think what would have happened if he got into a bar-hopping spree like Jesse Ryder. Even Ponting could not keep it up, he had been a badass as well as a young player, but realized he had to grow out of it to stay in the modern game.

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 15:33 GMT

guy on one leg still score over100 runs in the match and helped saved it too!!!!! respect from the caribbean maaan. but i won't stay up all night to watch him bat!! too slow for me man.

POSTED BY
TommytuckerSaffa
on | November 29, 2012, 14:56 GMT

Hands down best cricket player the world has ever seen. At least another 4 years in the tank still , more records to fall.

POSTED BY
Pablo123
on | November 29, 2012, 14:54 GMT

It is a genuine tip of the hat to Kallis that he started basically the same time as Ricky, but we all know he still oozes talent and will be in the runs for a long time to come. I think it is awesome for Ricky to be playing Jacques in his last test - man to man, two of the most unbelievable cricketers to ever grace the game.

I don't want to even contemplate Kallis leaving cricket one day, it's almost unimaginable. A Solid performer, a gentleman, a humble conqueror. Please may the Real Mr. Cricket stay for at least another 3/4 years. SA need him, world cricket needs him.

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 14:52 GMT

kallis is truely a legend. He is a wonderful player to watch. I still like to see SA to win. Eventhough other great player pointing retires

POSTED BY
bumsonseats
on | November 29, 2012, 13:40 GMT

Nick636 i could not agree with you more, on stats he was/is a colossus. with runs and wickets. my only doubt has been over the years when he should have scored quicker when his side required the score to move on a pace. i have known better bats and better bowlers but not in one man. his stats alone should put him top of the all rounders without a doubt. just lacking the charisma of a sobers or a botham. maybe if he had been born a pom or an aussie not a perceived dour saffa

POSTED BY
Nmiduna
on | November 29, 2012, 13:04 GMT

My own mind had drawn Ponting somewhere lower than the likes of modern greats sachin, dravid, lara and co., Partly due to the 'ungentle-man-like' image painted by media and partly due to his own intense nature and 'winning is everything' attitude.He was not seemingly noble or graceful as dravid or sachin in my mind. but now more than ever, when i reflect, i understand that it was his very intensity and attitude that made him unpleasant sometimes and also my own envy of the success of Ricky and his team.But now i see him a more team man than sachin or lara and a more intense and bold than someone other modern greats.This is not to say Ponting ranks higher, but his success both personally and as a team was more constant and undeniable. Perhaps he spoke his mind too eagerly too often,like when he accused subcontinental sides of valuing personal milestones over team..but then again, he walked the talk, achieved greatness and was honest and open about what he did. Nobility is overrated..

POSTED BY
Nick636
on | November 29, 2012, 11:47 GMT

While watching the last test, the coverage had a graphic up of "the 5 best test palyers of the last 30years" or something like that. The fact Kallis wasn't in there was baffling.

Kallis is EASILY in my top 5 CRICKET PLAYERS OF ALL TIME!!!

He is just magnificent to watch. I will be very emotional the day he hangs his hut up...

Also, very sad about Ponting. The two of them are so easy to compare. They're brilliant. He will be missed sorely.

POSTED BY
JustOUT
on | November 29, 2012, 11:44 GMT

"grace of a construction vehicle and the determination of a whole fleet".. WOW.. one of best words to describe Kallis. Great player, don't know how the cricket world will react upon his retirement.

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 11:39 GMT

ahh. it would be great if he play and clap for punter farewell. This would be honor for punter that best allrounder of all time clapping at his farewell :) and same case for Kallis, as punter is one of the greatest batsman ever.

POSTED BY
Marcio
on | November 29, 2012, 11:27 GMT

Certainly SA will be weaker without Kallis, and not just the batting. His bowling role is similar to Watson's for AUS, and gives the team great balance. One allrounder coming in, the other only half there - or not at all.

POSTED BY
rahilmaniyar
on | November 29, 2012, 11:23 GMT

This league of gentlemen - Jacque Kallis, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Alistair Cook (although early days); the way these people just go about their business while remaining unphased about what is happening around (reflected in the statement ". . .and he passedby with smiles for all") is just awe inspiring. they are special, yet so simple. All these feelings came to the fore because of the beautiful note on which the article ended!

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 11:22 GMT

The retirement of NO cricketer of the modern era will have as much impact to the team dynamics as Kallis's would when he finally decides to hang up his boots. He will leave a HUGE void and he will never be replaced. I shudder ever so slightly, when i contemplate a future without Kallis.

POSTED BY
thedreamer
on | November 29, 2012, 11:21 GMT

A very nice article! For all the records this man has, Kallis is undoubtedly the best all-rounder cricket has ever seen. Close to 13,000 Test runs and 280 odd wickets and an ODI record of 11,500 runs and 270 odd wickets. He is one of the most reliable slip fielder and has taken some amazing catches over the years (that catch of Afridi in Sharjah 1999 comes to my mind). Man to man, he is the most skilled cricketer (if you're considering the best modern day batsmen). He'll definitely go down as the best cricketer of modern era. Thank you Kallis for all the memories and performances.

POSTED BY
Mervo
on | November 29, 2012, 11:08 GMT

Kallis is a legend. Best player ever for mine. Tendulkar has not got 250 Test wickets either. Sobers in the only one that comes close as an all rounder. Warne the most influential bowler and Ponting our best Aussie bat. I wish they could all go with the dignity that Warne, Ponting and Lillie went. Not dragging out a career for the fans.

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
Mervo
on | November 29, 2012, 11:08 GMT

Kallis is a legend. Best player ever for mine. Tendulkar has not got 250 Test wickets either. Sobers in the only one that comes close as an all rounder. Warne the most influential bowler and Ponting our best Aussie bat. I wish they could all go with the dignity that Warne, Ponting and Lillie went. Not dragging out a career for the fans.

POSTED BY
thedreamer
on | November 29, 2012, 11:21 GMT

A very nice article! For all the records this man has, Kallis is undoubtedly the best all-rounder cricket has ever seen. Close to 13,000 Test runs and 280 odd wickets and an ODI record of 11,500 runs and 270 odd wickets. He is one of the most reliable slip fielder and has taken some amazing catches over the years (that catch of Afridi in Sharjah 1999 comes to my mind). Man to man, he is the most skilled cricketer (if you're considering the best modern day batsmen). He'll definitely go down as the best cricketer of modern era. Thank you Kallis for all the memories and performances.

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 11:22 GMT

The retirement of NO cricketer of the modern era will have as much impact to the team dynamics as Kallis's would when he finally decides to hang up his boots. He will leave a HUGE void and he will never be replaced. I shudder ever so slightly, when i contemplate a future without Kallis.

POSTED BY
rahilmaniyar
on | November 29, 2012, 11:23 GMT

This league of gentlemen - Jacque Kallis, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Alistair Cook (although early days); the way these people just go about their business while remaining unphased about what is happening around (reflected in the statement ". . .and he passedby with smiles for all") is just awe inspiring. they are special, yet so simple. All these feelings came to the fore because of the beautiful note on which the article ended!

POSTED BY
Marcio
on | November 29, 2012, 11:27 GMT

Certainly SA will be weaker without Kallis, and not just the batting. His bowling role is similar to Watson's for AUS, and gives the team great balance. One allrounder coming in, the other only half there - or not at all.

POSTED BY
on | November 29, 2012, 11:39 GMT

ahh. it would be great if he play and clap for punter farewell. This would be honor for punter that best allrounder of all time clapping at his farewell :) and same case for Kallis, as punter is one of the greatest batsman ever.

POSTED BY
JustOUT
on | November 29, 2012, 11:44 GMT

"grace of a construction vehicle and the determination of a whole fleet".. WOW.. one of best words to describe Kallis. Great player, don't know how the cricket world will react upon his retirement.

POSTED BY
Nick636
on | November 29, 2012, 11:47 GMT

While watching the last test, the coverage had a graphic up of "the 5 best test palyers of the last 30years" or something like that. The fact Kallis wasn't in there was baffling.

Kallis is EASILY in my top 5 CRICKET PLAYERS OF ALL TIME!!!

He is just magnificent to watch. I will be very emotional the day he hangs his hut up...

Also, very sad about Ponting. The two of them are so easy to compare. They're brilliant. He will be missed sorely.

POSTED BY
Nmiduna
on | November 29, 2012, 13:04 GMT

My own mind had drawn Ponting somewhere lower than the likes of modern greats sachin, dravid, lara and co., Partly due to the 'ungentle-man-like' image painted by media and partly due to his own intense nature and 'winning is everything' attitude.He was not seemingly noble or graceful as dravid or sachin in my mind. but now more than ever, when i reflect, i understand that it was his very intensity and attitude that made him unpleasant sometimes and also my own envy of the success of Ricky and his team.But now i see him a more team man than sachin or lara and a more intense and bold than someone other modern greats.This is not to say Ponting ranks higher, but his success both personally and as a team was more constant and undeniable. Perhaps he spoke his mind too eagerly too often,like when he accused subcontinental sides of valuing personal milestones over team..but then again, he walked the talk, achieved greatness and was honest and open about what he did. Nobility is overrated..

POSTED BY
bumsonseats
on | November 29, 2012, 13:40 GMT

Nick636 i could not agree with you more, on stats he was/is a colossus. with runs and wickets. my only doubt has been over the years when he should have scored quicker when his side required the score to move on a pace. i have known better bats and better bowlers but not in one man. his stats alone should put him top of the all rounders without a doubt. just lacking the charisma of a sobers or a botham. maybe if he had been born a pom or an aussie not a perceived dour saffa